How to deal with 'chunky' native mulch?

Q: The bagged "native mulch" I applied last year hasn't decomposed much and remains quite chunky. I want to put down new compost but am hesitant to layer it on this old mulch. Should I first rake the old mulch out? If so, can I use it in the compost pile? S.D., Houston

A: It's really your call. Chunky mulch can be slower to decompose than shredded mulch. If the old mulch layer is not too thick, spread the compost over it. This will somewhat camouflage the chunks for a while, and eventually they'll break down.

Or, if you simply don't like the chunky stuff, rake it out and add it (perhaps gradually) to the compost. Use some nitrogen-rich green ingredients to heat up the pile and break down the chunks. Since green lawn clippings are low this time of year, consider a commercially available compost activator to heat the pile.

After removing the chunks, freshen your beds with good compost. Some also add a layer of shredded bark or pine needles over the compost for a "finished" look.